Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting highlights: NATO military chiefs to hold video meeting on Ukraine tomorrow

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting highlights: NATO military chiefs to hold video meeting on Ukraine tomorrow

The chiefs of defence from all 32 NATO member states will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday to assess the situation in Ukraine, the alliance’s military committee chief, Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, announced. He added that US General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s top commander in Europe, will provide an update on the security environment amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine.

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Putin suggests Moscow for Zelensky summit, AFP reports

Vladimir Putin proposed holding a peace summit with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow, according to three sources familiar with a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russia's leader.

Russia Ukraine News Live: With 'stop the killing', EU tries Trump-pleasing lexical shift on Ukraine

The EU has dropped its calls for a "ceasefire" in Ukraine and is instead demanding that Russia "stop the killing", in a semantic shift that aims to grab the ear of US President Donald Trump.

Having failed to yield a breakthrough on a pause in fighting when he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week, Trump has pivoted to seeking a full peace deal. - AFP

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Trump rules out sending US troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees

When asked what form security guarantees for Ukraine might take, Trump said that France, Germany, and the UK were among those willing to put “boots on the ground,” adding that he didn’t foresee any difficulty on that front.

Pressed on whether the US would commit troops as part of such guarantees, Trump was unequivocal: “That will not happen. You have my assurance — and I am president.”

He added, “My goal is simply to stop people from being killed.”

Russia Ukraine News Live: Focus turns to security guarantees after Ukraine summit leaves path to peace unclear

Ukraine and its European allies have been buoyed by Donald Trump's promise of security guarantees for Kyiv to help end the Ukraine war but face many unanswered questions, including how willing Russia will be to play ball.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed Monday's extraordinary summit at the White House with Trump as a "major step forward" towards ending Europe's deadliest conflict in 80 years and towards setting up a trilateral meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin and the U.S. president in the coming weeks.  - Reuters

Russian attack hit energy facilities in central Ukraine, Ukrainian energy ministry says

Ukraine's energy ministry said on Tuesday an overnight Russian attack hit energy facilities in the central Ukrainian region of Poltava, causing large fires. The ministry said a gas transport facility was targeted by several dozen drones, which caused damage. "Russian occupation forces launched another massive attack on energy infrastructure facilities in the Poltava region, using cruise missiles and strike drones simultaneously. The attack resulted in large-scale fires," the ministry said on Telegram. The ministry did not specify what other facilities besides gas infrastructure were attacked. - Reuters

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Moscow says any Ukraine peace deal must ensure Russia's security

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday any peace deal on Ukraine must ensure Russia's security, speaking a day after high-level talks in Washington to resolve to conflict.

"Without respect for Russia's security interests, without full respect for the rights of Russians and Russian-speaking people who live in Ukraine, there can be no talk of any long-term agreements," Lavrov told state TV channel Rossiya 24. - AFP

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Russia says presidents' meeting on Ukraine must be prepared 'very thoroughly'

Russia says presidents' meeting on Ukraine must be prepared 'very thoroughly'

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: UK PM to co-chair 'coalition of the willing' meet on Ukraine 'next steps': govt

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will co-host a virtual call of the "coalition of the willing" Tuesday following the talks between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, a UK government spokesperson told AFP.

"The prime minister will co-chair a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing this morning to update leaders on the outcomes of discussions in Washington and discuss next steps," the spokesperson said. - AFP

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Russia launches largest air assault on Ukraine since July amid White House meetings

As Trump hosted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House, Russia conducted its most intense aerial attack on Ukraine since late July.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Moscow deployed 270 drones and 10 missiles overnight. Of these, four missiles and 16 drones breached Ukraine’s air defences.

The strikes resulted in eight fatalities and 54 injuries across the country over a 24-hour period.

In the Donetsk region, five civilians were killed in towns behind the front lines, while Zaporizhzhia recorded three deaths and 33 injuries from missile and drone attacks. Additional casualties were reported in Kharkiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, and Nikopol.

Infrastructure also suffered significant damage.

In the northeastern Poltava region, at least 1,471 homes and 119 businesses lost electricity following what regional military administrator Volodymyr Kohut described as a “massive attack.”

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Zelensky gifts Trump golf club once belonging to wounded Ukrainian soldier during White House visit

During a visit to the White House on Monday, Ukrainian President Zelensky presented Trump with a unique gift – a golf club that once belonged to a wounded Ukrainian soldier.

The club originally belonged to Kostiantyn Kartavtsev, a junior sergeant who lost his leg during the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Golf became part of Kartavtsev’s rehabilitation, Zelensky explained while handing over the gift.

According to Ukraine’s presidential office, Zelensky also shared a video in which Kartavtsev appealed to Trump for U.S. support in helping Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace.

In response, Trump accepted the club, thanked the Ukrainian soldier in a recorded video, and symbolically presented Zelensky with keys to the White House.

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: How did world leaders respond to Ukraine peace meet

Despite renewed diplomatic activity, divisions between European leaders and Russia remain sharp over how soon a ceasefire should be implemented in Ukraine.

A series of high-level talks on Monday produced two notable developments -- Washington’s willingness to explore long-term security guarantees for Kyiv and the prospect of direct talks between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin.

European leaders struck a cautious note:

Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted that meaningful negotiations could only take place once a ceasefire was in place, stressing that “weapons must fall silent” before any summit is convened.

France: President Emmanuel Macron called the US pledge to work on security guarantees “the most important outcome” of the discussions, but underlined that bilateral talks between Ukraine and Russia must first begin under a ceasefire.

UK: Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the conversations as “good and constructive,” pointing to progress on security guarantees and consensus around bilateral engagement. He said Ukraine must remain central to talks over territory, prisoner exchanges, and the return of children.

European Commission: Ursula von der Leyen urged an end to “the human cost of this war,” with particular concern over Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children.

Finland: President Alexander Stubb revealed that European leaders had agreed US President Donald Trump should personally call Putin to relay the outcome of the White House talks. He added that issues such as possible land swaps could only be addressed in direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

 

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Zelenskyy thanks Melania Trump for ‘peace letter’ on abducted Ukrainian children

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has expressed gratitude to US First Lady Melania Trump for writing a “peace letter” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns over the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children by Russia.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy described the issue as one of the “most painful and difficult” aspects of the war. “At least 20,000 children were taken. We deeply appreciate Melania Trump’s compassion and her letter to Putin. This issue lies at the heart of the war’s humanitarian tragedy—our children, broken families, the pain of separation,” he wrote, adding that Ukraine is working tirelessly to reunite families.

Zelenskyy also highlighted ongoing efforts to secure the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians held in Russia since 2014. “Thousands of people still need to be freed. We will work to negotiate an all-for-all exchange, and we are grateful to have strong friends who help,” he noted.

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Transatlantic rift deepens over Ukraine peace process after Trump-Putin summit

Sharp differences remain between Europe and Russia over whether a ceasefire is a prerequisite for peace talks on Ukraine, even as the United States shifts its position following Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska.

European leaders reiterated Monday that halting hostilities is essential before any meaningful negotiations can begin.

“A real negotiation can only take place at a summit in which Ukraine itself also participates. Such a summit is only conceivable if weapons fall silent. I have renewed this demand once again today,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz posted on X.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the call, stressing that a ceasefire must precede political dialogue.

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Zelenskyy says Ukraine security guarantees could be sealed within 10 days after Trump talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said security guarantees for Kyiv could be finalised within the next 10 days following talks in Washington with Trump and European leaders.

Zelenskiy told reporters the guarantees would be “unpacked” by Ukraine’s partners and formalised on paper soon.

He said Trump had assured him the U.S. would take part in coordinating and providing security assurances as part of any deal to end the war with Russia.

“This is a major step forward,” Zelenskiy said, calling his latest meeting with Trump the “best so far.”

The Ukrainian leader said Kyiv was prepared to engage with Moscow “in any format,” with territorial issues to be discussed directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though no date for talks had been set.

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: White House releases photo of Trump’s Oval Office call with Putin

The White House, meanwhile, released a photo early this morning, showing President Trump speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin over speakerphone from the Oval Office.

Seated across from Trump at the Resolute Desk were Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, both appearing engaged in the conversation.

White House aides described the image as a snapshot of the administration’s ongoing high-level diplomacy with Moscow.

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: At White House, Macron backs Trump’s push for deal but urges ceasefire first

Following the White House meeeting late Monday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted progress in efforts to secure long-term guarantees for Ukraine, saying Washington has agreed to work with Europe on the framework of future commitments.

Speaking after talks at the White House, Macron described the US pledge as the “most important outcome” of the meeting, noting that several issues that had remained unclear in recent weeks had now been clarified.

Macron underlined that the coalition backing Ukraine’s security, launched by European leaders in February, has expanded to 30 countries, signalling broader international support.

On possible negotiations to end the war, Macron stressed that direct dialogue between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky must precede any trilateral engagement with US President Donald Trump.

While welcoming Trump’s confidence in his ability to broker an understanding with Putin, Macron warned Europe should remain prepared to tighten sanctions on Moscow if peace efforts falter.

“We want to believe that President Putin seeks an agreement, but if not, we must be ready to raise the pressure to bring Russia back to negotiations,” he added.

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: Trump administration pushing for ‘unprecedented’ Zelenskyy–Putin meeting, says Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, late Monday evening, said the Trump administration is pushing for what he described as an “unprecedented” sit-down between Zelensky and Putin.

Rubio said the hope is that the bilateral encounter could eventually pave the way for a three-way summit also involving US President Donald Trump.

“We’re not there yet, but that’s what we’re aiming toward,” Rubio told Fox News, noting that the idea was part of discussions earlier in the day.

He stressed the significance of Moscow’s willingness to engage directly with Kyiv after years of strained ties.

“Just the fact that Putin is saying, ‘Sure, I’ll meet with Zelensky,’ that’s a big deal,” Rubio said. “I’m not saying they’ll walk out as best friends or with a peace deal, but the fact that they’re talking at all — that hasn’t happened in over three years.”

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: Zelensky ready for ‘any format’ of talks as Trump initiates meeting plans with Putin

US President Trump said he has started working on arranging a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin after holding a summit with Zelensky and European leaders today.

Trump added that he had also spoken with Putin during his talks with the Europeans.

Later, at a press conference, Zelensky said Russia had proposed a bilateral meeting with Ukraine first, followed by a trilateral discussion involving the US president. Zelensky reiterated that he is open to “any format” of talks with Putin.

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: Trump says he expects Putin to release Ukrainian prisoners

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said he expected Russian President Vladimir Putin to release over 1,000 Ukrainian prisoners soon after a trilateral meeting was set up with Ukrainian leader Voldymyr Zelensky.

"I think you'll see that President Putin really would like to do something also," Trump said at the start of a meeting with Zelensky and seven European leaders, forecasting some "really positive moves" after a trilateral meeting was agreed.

"I know there's over 1,000 prisoners, and I know they're going to release them. Maybe they're going to release them very soon, like immediately, which I think is great," Trump said.

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: Trump says Putin agrees to security guarantees for Ukraine, Zelensky says will discuss territory at trilateral meeting

US President Donald Trump on Monday said Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed during summit talks last week to provide security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any peace deal. Read more 

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: Merz calls for a ceasefire and ‘to put pressure on Russia’

The German chancellor said he would “like to see a ceasefire from the next meeting, which should be a trilateral meeting” with Ukraine, Russia and the U.S.

Like his other European counterparts, Merz had praise for Trump for his role in the process of angling to work out an end to the war.

Rutte told Trump his willingness to participate in security guarantees marked a “breakthrough” and “makes all the difference.”

I changed, you haven’t’: Zelensky's witty remark to reporter over suit remark | Watch

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s attire became a talking point at the White House on Monday, as a reporter who had previously chided him for skipping formal wear praised him this time for looking “fabulous” in a dark suit — prompting lighthearted banter with former President Donald Trump. Read more

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: Russian envoy says Moscow hopes Trump meetings now will keep open the opportunity for peace

Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador Dmitry Polyansky told U.N. reporters “what everybody hopes” is that President Trump’s meetings with Ukraine’s president and European leaders “will go in the same vein” as the U.S. leader’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last Friday.

Volodymyr Zelensky signals openness to elections in Ukraine if security is ensured

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump expressed hope that Monday’s critical talks with Ukrainian and European leaders at the White House could lead to trilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to Russia’s war on Ukraine. Read more

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: 'I'll talk to Putin,' says Donald Trump

Trump said the Russian leader is “expecting my call when we’re finished with this meeting” with Zelenskyy and the group of European leaders.

"I just spoke to President Putin indirectly, and we're going to have a phone call right after these meetings today, and we may or may not have a trilat."

Trump and Putin met in person Friday in Alaska to discuss ending the war.

Moments before peace talks, Donald Trump revives old claim: 'I ended six wars, including India-Pak — Russia-Ukraine is the toughest’

Moments before peace talks, Donald Trump revives old claim: 'I ended six wars, including India-Pak — Russia-Ukraine is the toughest’. Read more

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: 'Both Zelenskyy and Putin have to want the war to end,' says Trump

Asked by a reporter if it is the “end of the road” for U.S. support for Ukraine if no deal is struck, Trump said its “never the end of the road.”

“People are being killed and we want to stop that. So I would not say it’s the end of the road,” Trump said as Zelenskyy sat next to him shaking his head at the question. He added that there’s a “good chance” of the ending the war through these meetings

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: 'Reasonable chance of ending the war,' says Donald Trump

"Thank you very much for your, personal efforts to stop killings and stop this war. We want it to end good for everybody. The people of Ukraine have suffered," Zelensky said.

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: US President Trump greets Zelensky ahead of talks

The U.S. president welcomed the Ukrainian leader at the door of the West Wing. Trump pumped his fist as Zelenskyy’s vehicle pulled up, then shook hands with him.

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: All foreign leaders, except Zelenskyy, have arrived.

They’re all in place at the White House, ahead of the Ukrainian president:

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer

French President Emmanuel Macron

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni

Finnish President Alexander Stubb

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: 'European leaders coordinated their positions before meeting Trump,' says Zelensky

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said the European leaders had “coordinated” their positions before meeting Trump in the White House and that their main goal was “a reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe.”

“We shouldn’t expect Putin to voluntarily abandon aggression and new attempts at conquest. That is why pressure must work, and it must be joint pressure — from the United States and Europe, and from everyone in the world who respects the right to life and the international order," Zelenskyy wrote.

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: European leaders arrive for White House meeting on Russia-Ukraine war

European leaders began arriving at the White House on Monday ahead of high-stakes talks with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on a possible peace deal with Russia.

NATO chief Mark Rutte, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer were the first to turn up, after huddling with Zelensky at the Ukrainian embassy in Washington.

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: 'We have to explore all possible solutions,' says Italian PM Meloni.

“Clearly we have to build, work on this. But the work we are doing today, from my point of view, is important work. Clearly there are no easy solutions when talking about ending a war and building peace. We have to explore all possible solutions to guarantee peace, to guarantee justice, and to guarantee security for our countries,” Meloni said.

Ukraine’s lost lands: What you need to know about territories occupied by Russia | Explainer

Five Ukrainian regions occupied by Russia are at the centre of diplomatic efforts to settle the three-and-a-half-year war.

Russia has demanded the whole of the eastern regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in exchange for a freeze on the southern front line in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, according to a source. Read more

'I'll get it done': Ahead of Zelensky meeting, Trump claims to have ‘settled 6 wars’; brings up Indo-Pak again

Just ahead of his White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump on Monday asserted once again that he has effectively managed global conflicts, including the Russia–Ukraine war. Read more

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: Ahead of talks with Trump, Zelensky urges US security guarantees and warns against 'rewarding' Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasised the urgent need for security guarantees from the United States ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump. Read more

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: Will Zelensky wear a suit? White House asks ahead of Oval Office talks with Trump

The White House has reportedly asked whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intends to wear a suit during his upcoming Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday, where several European leaders will also be present, Axios reported.

The question of Zelenskyy’s attire, seemingly minor on the surface, became a flashpoint during his last White House visit in March, which officials later described as a diplomatic misstep. Read more

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: European leaders to hold a

European leaders will hold a "preparatory meeting" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of high-stakes talks with US President Donald Trump in Washington, the European Union said on Monday.

The agenda of EU chief Ursula von der Leyen published by the European Commission showed the huddle will take place before a multilateral meeting with Trump at the White House. No further details were provided.

Trump–Zelensky Oval Office meeting live updates: 'A big day at the White House,' Donald Trump posts on Truth Social

"A big day at the White House. We have never had so many European Leaders here at one time. A great honor for America!!! Lets see what the results will be???, " Trump posted.

Trump-Zelensky meeting time: What's the full schedule of high-stake White House meeting? Check here

Months after the explosive showdown in February, US President Donald Trump is set to host his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House tonight. As the countdown begins for the crucial peace talks, here’s all you need to know about the full schedule and more. Read more

Zelensky returns to US: What's changed since Feb debacle and why his meeting with Trump matters to India

When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walks into the Oval Office today, it will be under very different circumstances from his last visit. Six months ago, his meeting with US President Donald Trump ended in acrimony: an awkward public dressing-down by Trump and Vice President JD Vance, a cut-short luncheon, and a walkout that left US–Ukraine ties badly bruised. Read more

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates:: Zelenskyy says Russian strikes 'humiliate' diplomatic efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said Russian strikes on Ukraine just hours before his meeting with US President Donald Trump “humiliate” diplomatic efforts to end the war. Zelenskyy’s remark came after 10 people were killed in Russian strikes in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.

Reiterating that the war must be ended, Zelenskyy demanded reliable security guarantees for Ukraine and said Russia should not be rewarded.

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Will Ukraine get 'NATO-style' security guarantees? What Article 5 means and why Zelensky wants it | Explained

The recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin may not have produced a ceasefire or peace agreement, but it sparked a new debate: could Ukraine receive “NATO-like” security guarantees from the United States, even without formally joining the alliance? Read more

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Shift on sanctions

In pursuit of this deal, Trump has stepped back from his earlier threat to impose fresh sanctions on Moscow, even as calls grow for increased economic pressure on Russia.

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Trump’s current approach

According to Witkoff, Trump is determined to secure a peace deal rather than push for a temporary ceasefire, citing progress in his discussions with Putin.

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Zelensky’s position on security guarantees

Zelensky stressed that any such guarantees would have to be far stronger than those that failed in the past. Russia, however, has not yet addressed these proposals publicly.

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Putin’s concessions in earlier talks

At last week’s summit with Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to consider providing security guarantees for Ukraine and signaled openness to “land swaps” as part of a potential peace arrangement, US envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN.

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Trump’s conditions for peace

Trump has said that for the war to end, Zelensky must agree to Russia’s core demands — including ceding Crimea and committing that Ukraine will never join NATO.

Trump–Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting live updates: Zelensky arrives in Washington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Washington, DC, where he is set to meet Donald Trump later today. Key European leaders are also expected to join the talks.